Museum Of New Mexico News:
JEMEZ SPRINGS — Sunday, Aug. 14, the quaint and sleepy village of Jemez Springs—popularly known for its hot springs, hiking and art galleries, comes alive with the 13th annual Pueblo Independence Day Celebration starting with a 7 a.m. pilgrimage run from Jemez Pueblo Plaza to Jemez Historic Site. Visitors to this free annual free event will also enjoy traditional Native dances, dine on authentic Native food, and shop Native arts and crafts.
On Aug. 10, 1680 and Aug. 11, 1680, the Pueblo People of New Mexico, aided by some Apache and Navajo allies, launched a successful rebellion against Spanish colonization. This 13th annual Pueblo Independence Day Celebration commemorates this historic event, which shaped the course of New Mexico state history. Jemez Historic Site ranger Marlon Magdalena said, “Celebrating the day pays tribute to the Ancestors and shows appreciation for their sacrifices. Their brave resistance helped preserve the Pueblo way of life: our culture, our languages and our right to one day reclaim our aboriginal lands.”
Schedule of events
- Free Admission—All New Mexico residents with ID;
- 7 a.m.—Run begins at the Jemez Pueblo plaza. The general public is welcome to participate. Water stations will be available. 13 miles;
- 10 a.m.—Invocation and Welcome by Site manager Matt Barbour and Jemez Pueblo Officials; and
- 10.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.—Enjoy traditional Native dances, dine on authentic Native food, and shop Native arts and crafts.
For more information, the public may call Jemez Historic Site at 575.829.3530 or check the website http://www.nmmonuments.org/jemez
About Jemez Historic Site
A short drive from Albuquerque, Bernalillo, and Santa Fe, Jemez Historic Site is one of the most beautiful prehistoric and historic sites in the Southwest. It includes the stone vestiges of a 500 year old Indian village and the San José de los Jemez church dating to 1621-1622. The village of Giusewa was built in the narrow San Diego Canyon by the ancestors of the present-day people of Jemez (Walatowa) Pueblo. The name Giusewa refers to the natural springs in the area.
In the 17th century, the Spanish established a Catholic mission at the village. The mission was short-lived, and, in time, the people abandoned the site and moved to the current location of Jemez Pueblo. The massive stone walls were constructed about the same time the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. The heritage center contains exhibitions that tell the story of the site through the words of the Jemez people. A 1,400-foot interpretive trail winds through the impressive site.
Driving Directions from Albuquerque
From I-25, exit 242 take 550 west to San Ysidro, then right onto Route 4 for 18 miles.
Media Contact: Jennifer Padilla, 505.577.1347, jennpadilla@newmexico.com
Jemez Historic Site is one of seven state historic sites; among them in addition to Jemez, they are Lincoln, Fort Stanton, Fort Selden, Coronado and El Camino Real, all comprising the New Mexico State Historic Sites, a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information on the Historic Sites check the website http://www.nmmonuments.org/.
